If you'd like to make sure your
kids and grandkids have an opportunity to catch something like this,
then read on...

When Georgia River Fishing was launched
back in May of 2000, I had no idea the impact it would have. Now,
with over 800 registered members and close to 800 unique visitors
every day I am beginning to realize what GRF can become. At our 6th
annual Shoaliepalooza back in March, officers were officially
elected to form the Shoal Bass Alliance, which will be a non-profit
organization devoted to helping out shoal bass (micropterus
cateractae) in their native range. The catalyst behind the formation
of SBA was Mark Redden, a long-time GRFer known as Shoalwalker on
the GRF Message Board. Getting things like this off the ground
requires tons of hard work, dedication, and the ability to work
through frustration. Mark deserves the gratitude of everyone who
enjoys pursuing shoal bass and everyone who ever will.

I am also extremely proud that every
member of SBA's original Board is also a member of Georgia River
Fishing. And that is why GRF exists: to get river fishermen together
in a big group so they can go about pursuing positive change that
benefits our rivers, our fish, and our sport. Now we need to get the
word out to the general public about this amazing fish and it's
habitat. We also need to keep shoal bass logbooks, restore habitat,
assist with sampling, and keep an eye out for people and events that
might do harm to shoal bass populations and habitat.

To achieve it's objectives, The Shoal Bass
Alliance also needs to be a big group. SBA primarily needs two
things: financial resources and elbow grease. There will be more
info to come on specific SBA projects, but right now we need to
develop a strong membership base. You can join SBA by printing off
this form and mailing
it to the address on the form with your membership dues. There are
different membership levels, and it is possible to join SBA simply
by pledging to provide some help with future shoal restoration or
river cleanup projects. I fully expect that the membership of SBA
will be as full of GRF members as the Board of Directors. If you
have a love of shoal bass then now's the time to step up and prove
it.